ALLY McCOIST will carry the burden of responsibility for millions of fans around the world in the battle to save the club he loves.

McCoist was stunned when news of an unpaid tax bill of £9million emerged this week, plunging the club into administration.

But instead of feeling duped by Craig Whyte, McCoist simply felt a sense of shock, disappointment and a determination not to let his club die.

His problems deepened last night when the SPL blocked the signing of Daniel Cousin, who had been in the squad to face Kilmarnock at a sell-out Ibrox today.

But McCoist will remain focused in his battle to keep the Light Blues alive.

He said: “I’m ready for it. I can’t say I know what road we will go down or what we will do.

“But it’s important Rangers fans know there’s somebody who will do their damnedest for them.

But it’s important Rangers fans know there’s somebody who will do their damnedest for them

Rangers boss Ally McCoist

“A lot of them are disillusioned and shattered. I saw boys in tears outside Ibrox as generations of the same family think about their team.

“I know the responsibility I have. Effectively, I’m representing them. I’ve always represented them as manager of the club, but I’m fully aware what is expected of me as a football manager to help the fans through this situation.

“Hopefully, this game against Killie will produce a highly-charged atmosphere at Ibrox.

“I can speak for all of the players, coaches and management staff when I say we can’t wait for Saturday.

“Then you will see what the institution that is Rangers Football Club is all about.”

Rangers announced a deal had been done to sign free agent Cousin on Monday subject to international clearance, but they went into administration 24 hours later, triggering restrictions on registering players with the SPL.

An SPL statement last night revealed they had been presented with a contract between Cousin and Rangers yesterday afternoon, dated February 17 signed by the player and by Paul Clark, joint administrator.

It went on: “In terms of SPL rule A6.20, the consent of the board of the SPL was required for the registration of the player with the SPL. The board of the SPL declined to give that consent.

“Accordingly, the player is not registered with the SPL and is not eligible to play in SPL matches.”

Rangers have the right to appeal the decision. Whyte will steer clear of Ibrox today – a wise move given the level of hostility felt towards him by the support.

McCoist has not spoken to him since the club went into administration.

But the manager will keep a lid on his own feelings for now to make sure he’s not distracted from the tough job ahead.

He added: “It’s not about the man who owns the club, the manager or any individuals within or involved with the club.

“This is about the club collectively as a whole. I’m just caring about the football club which is ours progressing out of this rocky road.”